Death of Pope Honorius II

Timeline of History

Pope Honorius II dies. While pope, Honorius was focused primarily on ensuring that privileges of the church achieved in the Concordat of Worms were preserved and even broadened. This was difficult because Holy Roman Emperor Henry V and his successors were eager to lay claim to lands in Italy which had traditionally been under the control of the popes.

Pope Honorius II had been elected in unusual circumstances: Celestine II was elected validly, but the aristocratic Frangipani family objected and prevented Celestine from being consecrated, thus keeping him from becoming a genuine pope. In exchange, they brought their own candidate forward and ensured that Honorius II became pope.